The Lives of the Puritans; Containing a Biographical Account of Those Divines Who Distinguished Themselves in the Cause of Religious Liberty, From

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1813 edition. Excerpt: ... of their silenced pastor. In this supplication, after exposing the false charges of his adversaries, they declare, " That Mr. Bradshaw's doctrine was always sound, holy, learned, and utterly void of faction and contention; that his life was so ornamented with unblemished virtues, that malice itself could not condemn him; and that he directed all his labours to beat down wickedness, to comfort the faithful, and to instruct the ignorant, without meddling with the needless controversies' of the day." They conclude by humbly entreating his lordship's favour, that he would be the happy means of restoring to them their virtuous and faithful shepherd.* But the decree of the bishop and archbishop, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, was gone forth; these intercessions were, therefore, ineffectual. The meek and pious divine quietly yielded to be driven from his ministry and his flock. During these apparently cross dispensations, God, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, was providing for Mr. Bradshaw a place of rest. Being torn from his beloved and affectionate people, by treachery and episcopal power, he found a comfortable retreat under the hospitable roof of Mr. Alexander Redich, of Newhall, near Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire. This pious and worthy gentleman not only received him into his house, but procured him a license from the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, to preach in any part of his diocese: this favour was continued as long as the bishop lived. In this retired situation, Mr. Bradshaw preached for some time at the chapel in the park; then, when that became too small, in the parish church of Stapenhill. This lie did for about twelve years, receiving nothing from the parish. During the whole of...